​The position of Saami language in upper secondary education in Kautokeino after the second world war / Sámegiela sajádat Sámi joatkkaskuvllas nuppi máilmmisoađi maŋŋáInker-Anni Linkola /The Sami Archives

In this paper I will discuss the position of Saami language in the upper secondary education and vocational education. The Saami upper secondary educational institution was founded in Kautokeino in 1952 as a state owned vocational school. Already during the first years Saami language was used at school and Saami language lessons were given. This was 15 years before Saami language was taught in the lower educational level in Kautokeino.During the school’s history the position of Saami language has varied from being an extra curricula course to being a part of compulsory education. Saami language has also been used common language between the Saami speaking teachers and students even though the school’s official language policy would have suggested to use Norwegian.From 1980’s the use of Saami language as a teaching language school has been an central aim in the school board’s language policy. The challenge has been the school staff as well as students from outside the central Saami speaking areas. Also lack of study books and teaching materials in Saami language has been a problem in the secondary education.Saami secondary and vocational education is organized in a state owned school. Exploring the position of Saami language during the history of Saami upper secondary and vocational education gives a new view into the language policy indigenous education in Norway.